Diagnostic and intervention tools for emergency medical dispatch

ABSTRACT

A system and method assists an emergency medical dispatcher in responding to emergency calls. A computer implemented emergency medical dispatch protocol includes interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate an appropriate response. A diagnostic tool is provided to determine a vital sign of a patient based on a timer and caller relayed information about the patient. An intervention tool is provided to administer assistance and determine a compression rate based on a timer and caller relayed information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to computer systems and methods for providingmedical protocol interrogation for instructions and emergency dispatch.More specifically, the invention is directed to computer implementedtools to assist in the interrogation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure aredescribed, including various embodiments of the disclosure withreference to the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an emergency medicaldispatch system;

FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate an embodiment of an interface of a breathingdetector tool;

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an embodiment of an interface of a pulse checktool;

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate an embodiment of an interface of a pregnancycontractions timer tool; and

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an embodiment of an interface of a compressionsmonitor tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by referenceto the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numeralsthroughout. It will be readily understood that the components of thedisclosed embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in thefigures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations. Thus, the following detailed description ofthe embodiments of the systems and methods of the disclosure is notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In addition,the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be executed in anyspecific order, or even sequentially, nor need the steps be executedonly once, unless otherwise specified.

In some cases, well-known features, structures or operations are notshown or described in detail. Furthermore, the described features,structures, or operations may be combined in any suitable manner in oneor more embodiments. It will also be readily understood that thecomponents of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated inthe figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations.

Several aspects of the embodiments described will be illustrated assoftware modules or components. As used herein, a software module orcomponent may include any type of computer instruction or computerexecutable code located within a memory device and/or transmitted aselectronic signals over a system bus or wired or wireless network. Asoftware module may, for instance, comprise one or more physical orlogical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as aroutine, program, object, component, data structure, etc., that performsone or more tasks or implements particular abstract data types.

In certain embodiments, a particular software module may comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations of a memory device,which together implement the described functionality of the module.Indeed, a module may comprise a single instruction or many instructions,and may be distributed over several different code segments, amongdifferent programs, and across several memory devices. Some embodimentsmay be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks areperformed by a remote processing device linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, software modules may belocated in local and/or remote memory storage devices. In addition, databeing tied or rendered together in a database record may be resident inthe same memory device, or across several memory devices, and may belinked together in fields of a record in a database across a network.

Suitable software to assist in implementing the invention is readilyprovided by those of skill in the pertinent art(s) using the teachingspresented here and programming languages and tools, such as Java,Pascal, C++, C, database languages, APIs, SDKs, assembly, firmware,microcode, and/or other languages and tools. Suitable signal formats maybe embodied in analog or digital form, with or without error detectionand/or correction bits, packet headers, network addresses in a specificformat, and/or other supporting data readily provided by those of skillin the pertinent art(s).

A medical dispatch system disclosed herein may be computer-implementedin whole or in part on a digital computer. The digital computer includesa processor performing the required computations. The computer furtherincludes a memory in electronic communication with the processor forstoring a computer operating system. The computer operating systems mayinclude MS-DOS, Windows, Unix, AIX, CLIX, QNX, OS/2, and Apple.Alternatively, it is expected that future embodiments will be adapted toexecute on other future operating systems. The memory also storesapplication programs including a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) program,an emergency medical dispatch protocol, and a user interface program,and data storage. The computer further includes an output device, suchas a display unit, for viewing the displayed instructions and inquiriesand as a user input device for inputting response data.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a computer-aided medical dispatchsystem 100 is shown. At a dispatcher center 102, a dispatcher 104operates a computer 106 that executes an emergency medical dispatchprotocol 108 to enable the dispatcher to rapidly and consistentlyaddress a medical emergency. The emergency medical dispatch protocol 108provides a logic tree with questions, possible responses from a caller,and instructions to a caller. The responses may route to subsequentquestions and/or instructions to the caller. The responses are processedaccording to predetermined logic to both provide the correct emergencymedical dispatch response and the appropriate doctor-approvedpost-dispatch instructions to the call taker before professional helparrives. Exemplary embodiments of such medical dispatch protocols aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,857,966, 5,989,187, 6,004,266, 6,010,451,6,053,864, 6,076,065, 6,078,894, 6,106,459, 6,607,481, and 7,106,835which are incorporated herein by reference.

The computer 106 operates a determinant value calculator 110 tocalculate a determinant value from the caller's responses to protocolquestions. The computer 106 presents the determinant value to generatean appropriate emergency response. Since the questions asked and therecommendations that are made deal directly with life and deathdecisions, the protocols used shall have passed through a rigorousmedical review by a panel of doctors and EMS public safety experts whospecialize in emergency medicine.

Since many calls for medical service are not true medical emergencies,it is important to prioritize the calls in several ways. First, callsthat are true emergencies should be dispatched first. Second, if anagency has units with different capabilities, the more severe medicalproblems should receive the more advanced units. And finally, iflights-and-siren are not needed from a medical standpoint, they shouldnot be used, thereby increasing the safety of all those on the road andin the emergency vehicles. While many medical calls are not trueemergencies, all situations can benefit from medical evaluation andinstruction. Prior to the arrival of professional help on-scene, thedispatch system provides instructions that are appropriate to the typeof call, from minor lacerations to someone who is not breathing.

The determinant value provides a categorization code of the type andlevel of the incident, the code is provided to a Computer Aided Dispatch(CAD) system 112, which is a tool used by dispatchers to track andallocate emergency response resources, for processing. The CAD system112 may operate in whole or in part on a separate computer incommunication with computer 106. The primary information used in thistask is location information of both the incident and units, unitavailability and the type of incident. CAD systems may use third partysolutions, such as E-911, vehicle location transponders and MDT's forautomating the location and availability tasks.

The computer 106 may include a reporting module 114 to statisticallymeasure the performance of individual staff and overall centerperformance. These statistics include compliance rates, call processingstatistics, and peer measurements.

The dispatch center 102 includes telephony equipment 116 to answeremergency calls. A call into the dispatch center 102 from a caller 118initiates creation of a medical call incident. The dispatcher 104identifies the call as requiring an emergency medical dispatch, and theemergency medical dispatch protocol 108 is accessed. Some protocolquestions are readily answered, whereas others are more difficult.Certain diagnostic inquiries may be difficult for the untrained callerto determine. The protocol 108 may provide instructions that areexpertly drafted to assist a novice caller in diagnosing a patient'scondition. The protocol 108 may also provide expertly drafted first aidinstructions to assist a patient prior to the arrival of emergencyresponders.

In addition to instructions, the medical dispatch system 100 may providecomputer-implemented diagnostic tools 120. The diagnostic tools 120 maybe stored in the memory of the computer 106 and initiated and executedas required. The diagnostic tools 120 may be embodied as computerexecutable software applications and associated data. The protocol 108may call on a diagnostic tool 120 to assist in an interrogatory and mayroute to a diagnostic tool 120 when needed. The diagnostic tools 120allow a dispatcher 104 to provide consistent, expert advice to assist acaller in determining a vital sign.

The medical dispatch system 100 may automatically, i.e., withoutdispatcher intervention, initiate a diagnostic tool 120. This may occurwhen the emergency medical dispatch protocol 108 arrives at such adiagnosis step and initiates a corresponding diagnostic tool 120. Thesystem 100 may also allow the dispatcher 104 the option to call upon adiagnostic tool 120 as desired. Icons may be displayed in a tool bar, orother convenient location on a user interface to allow the dispatcher104 to initiate a corresponding diagnostic tool 120.

In determining vital signs, the diagnostic tools 120 are computerimplemented software modules to provide consistent instruction andreliable timing. One of the benefits of the diagnostic tools 120 is thecomputer aided timing of techniques to determine the vital signs. Inhighly stressful conditions, the diagnostic tools provide a necessaryresource to reading critical signs.

Diagnostic tools 120 discussed herein include a breathing detector 122,pulse check 124, a pregnancy contractions timer, and a CPR compressionsmonitor 126. The diagnostic tools 120 are each discussed in reference tofigures of graphical user interfaces that exemplify certain embodiments.One of skill in the art will appreciate that such interfaces may beimplemented and designed in various ways and still be within the scopeof the invention.

Referring to FIG. 2A, an embodiment of a graphical user interface 200for a breathing detector is shown. The interface 200 may includeinstructions 202 that the dispatcher 104 reads to the caller 118. Theinstructions 202 require that the caller 118 indicate each time apatient takes a breath starting immediately. The interface 200 mayinclude a start button 204 to initiate the detection process. Thedispatcher 104 clicks on the start button 204 which starts a timer 206.The timer 206 records the entire time of the detection process.

The interface 200 includes a breath button 208 which the dispatcher 104clicks each time the caller indicates that a breath is taken. Initially,the breath button 208 may state “1^(st) breath” to indicate the firstbreath of a patient. After clicking once, the breath button 208 may thenstate “2^(nd) breath” and so forth to indicate the number of breaths.The interface 200 may include an urgent stop button 210 to terminate thedetection process. The interface 200 further includes a clear/recheckbutton 212 to clear the received data and begin the detection processagain. A breathing rate field 214 indicates breaths per minute based onbreathing intervals. A pattern analysis field 216 provides a determinedaverage breathing rate.

A bar chart 218 is provided which provides feedback on breathingintervals. Each bar 220 corresponds to a breathing interval andindicates the quality of the interval. An interval timer 222 records theduration of the present interval. The interval timer 222 is reset eachtime a breath is recorded to then illustrate the duration of the nextinterval. As illustrated, four breathing intervals may be recorded for adetection process. The interface 200 includes a recommendations field224 which displays recommendations and instruction generated by thebreathing detector 122 upon termination of the process.

In the illustrated embodiment, a dispatcher 104 may click on the startbutton to initiate 204 once and the breath button five times to definefour intervals. After reviewing the recommendations field 224, thedispatcher 104 may act immediately to generate a dispatch response. Adispatcher 104 may also return to the protocol 108 and enter a result ofthe detection process which will affect protocol outcome. Thus, theresulting determinant value may be based on the outcome of the detectionprocess. In one embodiment, a determinant value may be automaticallygenerated based on the outcome of the detection process.

The interface 200 may also include a close button 226. When operated,the close button terminates execution of the breathing detector 122. Thedispatcher 104 may then return to the protocol 108.

FIGS. 2B through 2E illustrate different results of a detection processperformed by the breathing detector. In FIG. 2B, the timed values ofdifferent intervals are shown are shown in field 214 with corresponding,approximate breath-per-minute rates. An average breathing rate based onthe breath intervals is displayed in pattern analysis field 216. Thepattern analysis field 216 may also indicate that a breath rate iswithin normal limits. Each bar 220 may be filled to a levelcorresponding to an interval value. A bar 220 may be filled with a colorindicating whether an interval is acceptable or troubling. For example,a bar 220 may have a fill color of red for dangerous, yellow fortroubling, or green for acceptable. The recommendations field 224provides a result of the detection process. The recommendations field224 may be filled with color to indicate a danger level. As shown, thebreathing is considered normal or possibly abnormal depending on theconditions. The interface 200 may also display recommendationinstructions 228 which clarify the provided recommendation.

FIG. 2C illustrates a breathing pattern with irregularly spacedbreathing intervals and with a breathing rate that falls belowacceptable limits. The spacing and rate used by the breathing detector122 are predetermined by experts to provide consistency and reliability.The recommendations field 224 outputs an abnormal or irregularindication. The instructions 228 provide further information about theresult and the patient's condition. The result of this detection processwill likely result in a higher priority for an emergency medicalresponse.

FIG. 2D illustrates a breathing pattern where only one interval isrecorded. If any breath interval extends too long, the breathingdetector 122 may interrupt the process and determine that breathing isineffective. In the illustrated example, the second breath interval isat least ten seconds. Subsequent measurements of breath intervals arenot needed, as the patient has exceeded an agonal limit. Therecommendations field 224 states that breathing is ineffective oragonal, which will likely result in a high priority emergency medicalresponse.

In FIG. 2E, another example of an ineffective or agonal breathing resultis shown. All four breathing intervals are recorded, but the breath rateis below an acceptable range.

In FIG. 2F, an example of an excessive breath rate is shown. Therecorded breath intervals provide a breath rate average of 45 breathsper minute. As this rate exceeds an acceptable range, therecommendations field 224 indicates an above normal rate.

Based on the results of the breathing detector, the priority of anemergency medical response is determined. The dispatcher 104 may alsoprovide instructions to the caller 118 to assist a patient. Theseinstructions may be referred to herein as post-dispatch, or pre-arrivalinstructions to indicate that they are given after responders aredispatched and/or before the responders arrive on the scene. In oneexample, where ineffective breathing is detected, a dispatcher 104 mayprovide intervention instructions to instruct a caller 118 to inspectthe patient for any throat blockage. As can be appreciated, variousintervention instructions may be provided to assist a patient.

Referring to FIG. 3A, an embodiment of a graphical user interface 300 isshown for a pulse check 124. The interface 300 may provide instructionsto assist a caller 118 in measuring a pulse rate. The caller 118 may ormay not be the patient. Instruction buttons 302 may be provided toinitiate display of pulse-taking instructions for the neck, umbilicalcord, or some other body part. By clicking on an instruction button 302,pulse-taking instructions are displayed to the dispatcher 104.

The interface 300 provides a timer 304 which runs for a predeterminedamount of time. In one embodiment, the timer runs for 15 seconds. Astart button 306 is provided and, when clicked, begins the timer 304.Upon initiation, the dispatcher 104 instructs the caller 118 to begincounting pulses. During the time interval, the caller 118 counts thenumber of pulses. The interface 300 indicates to the dispatcher 104 whenthe time interval is expired. Upon expiration, the dispatcher 104instructs the caller 118 to stop counting and asks for the final number.

A common count input field 308 is provided for the dispatcher 104 toenter the number of pulses provided by the caller 118. The illustratedfield 308 allows a dispatcher 104 to click on the correct number. If thecorrect number is not shown in the input field 308, the field 308 allowsfor typed entry of the number of pulses as shown.

A beats-per-minute (BPM) field 310 displays the rate based on thedispatcher's input to the count input field 308. The calculation isperformed by the pulse check 124 based on the predetermined timeinterval. A recommendations field 312 displays a result of pulse checkprocess based on the number of pulses inputted. A close button 314closes the interface 300 and terminates operation of the pulse check124.

FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate different pulse rate results. In FIG.3B, the timer 304 has run for 15 seconds which is its predeterminedinterval. The dispatcher 104 selects the number of pulses counted, whichin this example is 20. Upon entering the number of pulses, the BPM field310 displays the beats per minute. The recommendations field 312provides a rate range which may be used to determine a determinant valuefor a priority in an emergency response. The illustrated range isacceptable and does not, by itself, indicate a medical issue.

In FIG. 3C, the dispatcher 104 has selected the “neck” instructionbutton 302 and corresponding instructions 316 are displayed to thedispatcher 104. The dispatcher 104 reads the instructions 316 to thecaller 118 to assist in finding a pulse and measuring a rate. The timer304 is shown as having run for 15 seconds. The count inputted into thecount input field 308 is 11. The BPM field 310 returns with a rate, andthe recommendation field 312 provides a resulting range. In the givenexample, the rate of 44 beats per minute is in a range that is low.After a result is provided, the start button 306 may display aclear/restart option to allow a repeat of the process to take a pulse.

The recommendation field 312 may be filled with a color to indicatewhether or not the range is acceptable. The color indication assists thedispatcher 104 in quickly confirming a range and whether or not the rateis an issue in the medical emergency. As with the breathing detector122, the pulse check 124 provides a result that may be used by thedispatcher 104 to determine a determinant value and/or set an emergencymedical response priority. The result may also be automatically used bythe calculator 110 in setting a determinant value.

In FIG. 3D, the timer 304 is shown as having run for 15 seconds. Thecount inputted into the count input field 308 is 31. The BPM field 310returns with a rate of 124 beats per minute. The recommendation field312 provides a resulting range. The rate may be provided to the protocol108 and/or to emergency responders prior to their arrival.

Referring to FIG. 4A, an embodiment of a graphical user interface 400for a pregnancy contractions timer 126 is shown. The interface 400includes a number input 402 to indicate the number of the currentpregnancy. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispatcher 104 may selectthat this is either the first pregnancy or that the patient has had atleast one previous pregnancy. The interface 400 may also includeinstructions 404 that the dispatcher reads to the caller 118 to assistin measuring contraction intervals. The interface 400 includes a startbutton 406 to begin a timer 408 and to initiate contraction timing. Acaller 118 tells the dispatcher 104 each time a contraction occurs. Thedispatcher 104 clicks a contraction button 410 when the dispatcher 104is told of a contraction.

A clear/recheck button 412 allows the dispatcher 104 to terminate thetiming process and begin again. An urgent stop button 414 may beprovided to immediately terminate the process, close the interface 400,and return to the protocol 108. A contractions interval field 416 liststhe duration of contraction intervals. A pattern analysis field 418provides an average contraction rate. A bar chart 420 includes bars 422with each bar indicating an interval between contractions. Asillustrated, the number of bars and intervals to be recorded is two,although this number may be varied as desired. An interval timer 424displays the time of the current interval. A recommendations field 426displays a result after a predetermined number of intervals have beenrecorded. A close button 428 may be provided to terminate the pregnancycontractions timer 126 and close the interface 400.

In FIG. 4B, two intervals between contractions have been recorded. Asshown in field 416, the contraction intervals are at five minutes each.This is also indicated in the bar chart 420. The bars 422 may be filledto indicate the duration of an interval. The pattern analysis field 418provides a contraction rate which is an average of the two intervals.The field 418 also indicates that this is a regular contraction patternas the two intervals are similar in duration. The recommendation field426 provides a result based on the contraction intervals. The result isdetermined by the monitor 128 to be a normal labor. The recommendationfield 426 may also be filled with a color to indicate a time to deliver.The interface 400 may further provide result instructions 430 to clarifythe provided result.

In FIG. 4C, the contraction intervals are at two minutes each. As can beappreciated, the contraction intervals may vary from one another, andthose illustrated herein are for exemplary purposes only. Thecontraction interval field 416, pattern analysis field 418, and barchart 420 all reflect the measured contraction intervals. Therecommendations field 426 displays a result that the patient is neardelivery labor.

In FIG. 4D, the contraction intervals are at approximately 30 seconds.The fields 416, 418 and bar chart 420 display each interval length andan average of the two intervals. The recommendation field 426 displaysthe result that delivery is imminent. As can be expected, the resultsprovided by the monitor 128 may be used to determine the priority of anemergency medical response and instructions to the caller 118 to assistthe patient.

The diagnostic tools provide a reliable method for determining atime-based vital sign. The computer-operated timer ensures reliabilitywhich may not be provided by a caller inexperienced in measuring vitalsigns and faced with a highly stressful situation non-visually over thephone. Use of the diagnostic tools requires correspondence between adispatcher and a caller to effectively take time-based measurements. Ascan be appreciated, reliable vital signs greatly enhances the entireemergency dispatch decision-making process and responder operation.

Referring once again to FIG. 1, the computer 106 used in the system 100may further include an intervention tool to assist a caller 118 or otherparty in administrating aid to a patient. The intervention tool may be acompressions monitor 128 to assist in a CPR or like procedure. When acaller 118 indicates that a medical emergency requiring CPR interventionis occurring, the dispatcher 104 may initiate the compression monitor128 to provide a timing guideline.

Referring to FIG. 5A, an embodiment of a graphical user interface 500generated by the compressions monitor 128 is shown. The interface 500includes an age input field 502 which may include a plurality of buttons504 for a dispatcher 104 to select. Each button 504 corresponds to adifferent age or age group of a patient. Alternatively, the age inputfield 502 may allow the dispatcher 104 to type in an age or age group ofthe patient. The age of the patient is used by the compressions monitor128 to determine an appropriate compressions rate.

The interface 500 also includes a compressions bar 506 which may includea plurality of compression buttons 508. Each compression button 508corresponds to a number of predetermined number of compressions that areto be administered to the patient. The number of compressions may belisted on the corresponding button 508. Selecting a compression button508 starts a timer of the compressions monitor 128, and administrationof the selected number of compressions is to begin. In selecting thecompression button 508, the dispatcher 104 tells the caller 118 to beginadministering compressions. The interface 500 may alternatively providea start button (not shown) to begin a timer for actual time toadminister the compressions.

The interface 500 may include a pause button 510 that pauses the timerfor any reason. The interface 500 includes a finished button 512 thatterminates the timer. The finished button 512 is selected by thedispatcher 104 when the caller 118 indicates that the selected number ofcompressions is completed.

The interface 500 further includes an ideal compressions field 514 whichmay list the number of compressions administered, an ideal stop time toadminister a selected number of compressions, and the actual time thatelapsed to administer the compressions. The interface 500 may furtherinclude an actual compression rate field 516 to display a calculatedcompression rate. The interface 500 includes a recommendation field 518which displays a result of the calculated compression rate. Therecommendation field 518 may be filled with a color or highlighted toprovide a visual indication about the compression rate. A close button520 is provided to terminate the compressions monitor 128 and close theinterface 500.

In FIG. 5B, a compressions button 508 corresponding to 100 compressionshas been selected. As shown in the ideal compressions field 514, theideal time was 50 seconds, but the actual time to complete 100compressions was done in 30 seconds. The actual compression rate field516 indicates a rate of 200 compressions per minute which is too fast.The recommendation field 518 displays a result of “too fast” to indicatethat the caller 118, or other individual administering the compressions,is going too fast. The selected compressions button 508 may display a“clear/restart” label to indicate that selection will clear the timer,field 514, and the result to begin again. The field 516 may retain thecompressions per minute to compare against the next process.

In FIG. 5C, the process is repeated for 100 compressions. As shown, theactual elapsed time in field 514 is 48 seconds. The actual elapsed timeis not equal to the ideal time, but is close enough to be considered bythe compressions monitor 128 to be acceptable. The compression rate isdisplayed in field 516 along with the previous compression rate. Therecommendations field 518 displays the result to be “O.K.”

In FIG. 5D, the process is repeated again for 100 compressions. Theelapsed time, shown in field 514, is one minute and ten seconds. Thecompression rate of 86 compressions per minute is displayed in field516. This compression rate is displayed with the previous compressionrates to provide comparison. The dispatcher 104 can thereby providefeedback to the caller 118 about the compression rate. As indicated infiled 518, the compression rate is too slow.

The compressions monitor 128 provides a timer and feedback for eachcompression rate to improve intervention performance. Acomputer-implemented timer and a trained dispatcher 104 provide a stablemeasurement of a compression rate to improve performance. The dispatcher104 and the caller 118 maintain communication to ensure proper start andstop times. In this manner, a CPR technique may be effectivelyadministered to a patient prior to the arrival of emergency responders.Even an inexperienced caller 118, or other individual, may thenadminister compressions at a preferred and correct rate.

The diagnostic and intervention tools provide a user-friendly interfaceto assist the dispatcher in responding to an emergency call. Theinterface may include text, audio, video, and combinations thereof toassist a caller in finding vital signs such as breaths, pulse, andpregnancy contractions, and/or providing compressions in a CPRtechnique. The tools provide a timer for timing and recording vitalsigns and body functions, such as breaths, pulses, and pregnancycontractions. The tools provide a timer for timing a CPR compressionrate. Furthermore, all information taken by the tools may be stored bythe system 100 and conveyed to the determinant value calculator 110, thereporting module 114, the CAD system 112 and to emergency responders.This information may be used to assist emergency responder prior toarrival. The tools greatly improve information collection andintervention for emergency medical response situations and will be anaid in saving lives.

While specific embodiments and applications of the disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure isnot limited to the precise configuration and components disclosedherein. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to thoseof skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, anddetails of the methods and systems of the disclosure without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

1. A computer implemented method performed on a dispatch center computerto assist a dispatcher when responding to an emergency caller regardinga medical emergency of a patient, the method comprising: a dispatchcenter computer providing an emergency medical dispatch protocol toassist emergency dispatchers, the protocol including a plurality ofinterrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate anemergency medical dispatch response by emergency responders; initiatinga diagnostic tool on the dispatch center computer to determine a vitalsign of a patient; the diagnostic tool providing a user interface on thedispatch center computer, the user interface configured to enable thedispatcher to initiate a timer indicative of a start time for a caller;in response to the timer initiation, the diagnostic tool running thetimer; the diagnostic tool receiving vital sign related data which isinput by the dispatcher corresponding to caller relayed information; thediagnostic tool stopping the timer; the diagnostic tool determining arate or interval of the vital sign related data; and the diagnostic tooldetermining a patient diagnosis from the vital sign related data and thedetermined rate or interval of the vital sign.
 2. The computerimplemented method of claim 1, further comprising: calculating adeterminant value to prioritize an emergency medical response byemergency responders based on the patient diagnosis.
 3. The computerimplemented method of claim 1, further comprising: the diagnostic tooldisplaying a recommendation on the user interface based on the patientdiagnosis.
 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: the user interface providing a close input; and thediagnostic tool terminating operation in response to the close input. 5.The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: the userinterface providing a clear input; and the diagnostic tool resetting thetimer and clearing the patient diagnosis in response to the clear input.6. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the vital sign isa breathing interval and the diagnostic tool measures the breathinginterval in relation to the timer.
 7. The computer implemented method ofclaim 6, further comprising: the user interface providing an input foreach patient breath after starting the timer.
 8. The computerimplemented method of claim 7, further comprising: the diagnostic toolmeasuring intervals between each patient breath to determine a breathinginterval.
 9. The computer implemented method of claim 8, furthercomprising: the diagnostic tool displaying the duration of the intervalson the user interface.
 10. The computer implemented method of claim 8,further comprising: the diagnostic tool displaying the breathinginterval on the user interface in relation to time.
 11. The computerimplemented method of claim 8, further comprising: the diagnostic tooldetermining a pattern based on the breathing interval and displaying thepattern on the user interface.
 12. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein the vital sign is a pulse rate, and the diagnostic toolmeasures the pulse rate in relation to the timer.
 13. The computerimplemented method of claim 12, further comprising: the user interfaceproviding instruction for taking a pulse.
 14. The computer implementedmethod of claim 12, wherein the diagnostic tool terminates the timerafter a predetermined amount of time and further comprising: the userinterface providing a count input; and the diagnostic tool calculating apulse rate in response to the count input and based on the predeterminedamount of time.
 15. The computer implemented method of claim 12, furthercomprising: the diagnostic tool displaying the pulse rate on the userinterface.
 16. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein thevital sign is a pregnancy contraction rate, and the diagnostic toolmeasures the pregnancy contraction rate in relation to the timer. 17.The computer implemented method of claim 16, further comprising: theuser interface providing input for a current pregnancy number.
 18. Thecomputer implemented method of claim 16, further comprising: the userinterface providing an input for each contraction after starting thetimer.
 19. The computer implemented method of claim 18, furthercomprising: the diagnostic tool measuring intervals between eachcontraction to determine a contraction pattern.
 20. The computerimplemented method of claim 19, further comprising: the diagnostic tooldisplaying the duration of the intervals on the user interface.
 21. Thecomputer implemented method of claim 19, further comprising: thediagnostic tool displaying the time interval between each contraction onthe user interface.
 22. A computer readable storage medium having storedthereon computer instruction code to perform a computer implementedmethod on a dispatch center computer to assist a dispatcher inresponding to a caller regarding a medical emergency of a patient, themethod comprising: a dispatch center computer providing an emergencymedical dispatch protocol including a plurality of interrogatories for adispatcher to ask a caller to generate an emergency medical dispatchresponse; initiating a diagnostic tool on the dispatch center computerto determine a vital sign of a patient; the diagnostic tool providing auser interface configured to enable the dispatcher to initiate a timerindicative of a start time for a caller; in response to the timerinitiation, the diagnostic tool running the timer; the diagnostic toolreceiving vital sign related data which is input by the dispatchercorresponding to caller relayed information: the diagnostic toolstopping the timer; the diagnostic tool determining a rate or intervalof the vital sign related data; and the diagnostic tool determining apatient diagnosis from the vital sign related data and the determinedrate or interval of the vital sign.
 23. The computer readable storagemedium of claim 22, wherein the method further comprises: calculating adeterminant value to prioritize an emergency medical response byemergency responders based on the patient diagnosis.
 24. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the method furthercomprises: the diagnostic tool displaying a recommendation on the userinterface based on the patient diagnosis.
 25. The computer readablestorage medium of claim 22, wherein the vital sign is a breathinginterval, and the diagnostic tool measures the breathing interval inrelation to the timer.
 26. The computer readable storage medium of claim25, wherein the method further comprises: the user interface providingan input for each patient breath after starting the timer; and thediagnostic tool measuring intervals between each patient breath todetermine a breathing interval.
 27. The computer readable storage mediumof claim 22, wherein the vital sign is a pulse rate, and the diagnostictool measures the pulse rate in relation to the timer.
 28. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 27, wherein the diagnostic toolterminates the timer after a predetermined amount of time and whereinthe method further comprises: the user interface providing a countinput; and the diagnostic tool calculating a pulse rate in response tothe count input and based on the predetermined amount of time.
 29. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the vital sign isa pregnancy contraction rate, and the diagnostic tool measures thepregnancy contraction rate in relation to the timer.
 30. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 29, wherein the method furthercomprises: the user interface providing an input for each contractionafter starting the timer; and the diagnostic tool measuring intervalsbetween each contraction to determine a contraction pattern.
 31. Adispatch center computer system to assist a dispatcher in responding toa caller regarding a medical emergency of a patient, comprising: aprocessor; and a memory in electrical communication with the processor,and having stored thereon: an emergency medical dispatch protocolincluding a plurality of interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask acaller to generate an emergency medical dispatch response; and adiagnostic tool to determine a vital sign of a patient; wherein theprocessor executes the diagnostic tool to: provide a user interface onthe dispatch center computer, the user interface configured to enablethe dispatcher to initiate a timer indicative of a start time for thecaller; in response to the timer initiation, run the timer; receivevital sign related data which is input by the dispatcher correspondingto caller relayed information; stop the timer; determine a rate orinterval of the vital sign related data; and determine a patientdiagnosis from the vital sign related data and the determined rate orinterval of the vital sign.
 32. The dispatch center computer system ofclaim 31, wherein the diagnostic tool calculates a determinant value toprioritize an emergency medical response by emergency responders basedon the patient diagnosis.
 33. The dispatch center computer system ofclaim 31, wherein the diagnostic tool displays a recommendation on theuser interface based on the patient diagnosis.
 34. The dispatch centercomputer system of claim 31, wherein the vital sign is a breathinginterval, and the diagnostic tool measures the breathing interval inrelation to the timer.
 35. The dispatch center computer system of claim34, wherein the user interface provides an input for each patient breathafter starting the timer, and the diagnostic tool measures intervalsbetween each patient breath to determine a breathing interval.
 36. Thedispatch center computer system of claim 31, wherein the vital sign is apulse rate, and the diagnostic tool measures the pulse rate in relationto the timer.
 37. The dispatch center computer system of claim 36,wherein the diagnostic tool terminates the timer after a predeterminedamount of time and wherein the user interface provides a count input,and the diagnostic tool calculates a pulse rate in response to the countinput and based on the predetermined amount of time.
 38. The dispatchcenter computer system of claim 31, wherein the vital sign is apregnancy contraction rate, and the diagnostic tool measures thepregnancy contraction rate in relation to the timer.
 39. The dispatchcenter computer system of claim 38, wherein the user interface providesan input for each contraction after starting the timer, and thediagnostic tool measures intervals between each contraction to determinea contraction pattern.
 40. The dispatch center computer system of claim31, further comprising a determinant value calculator stored on thememory to calculate a determinant value to prioritize an emergencyresponse.
 41. The dispatch center computer system of claim 31, furthercomprising a reporting module to measure the performance of adispatcher.